Pages

Thursday, May 14, 2015

At that time I had just discovered the practice of crazy quilting. The mixed-media, anything-goes approach to the art form was a perfect fit for my magpie nature and gatherer personality.

I sought out as much information as I could find which led me to the websites, blogs and stores of this talented and beautiful group of women you see below. I fell in love with their work first, spending countless hours soaking up the knowledge they so generously shared...

I have such gratitude for all they've taught me. I wouldn't be the embroiderer I am today without their guidance. They have left their mark on my work and my life is all the better for their mentorship.

When I heard Allie and Lisa were heading East, I called Maureen to see if we could stop by for a hug. There is no finer hostess than Maureen Greeson and so she did what any good hostess would...she invited Betty, Shirlee and NickiLee who live within driving distance and we had ourselves a Gathering.

It was a banner day for us all...sitting around Maureen's table, sharing stories, laughs and our latest work. Most of us hadn't seen each other since the Crazy Quilt Gathering in 2011 so there was lots to catch up on.

It was one heck of a show and tell!

Allie shared a couple of her quilts but had packed most of them away by the time I got my camera out (sorry Allie)...

She shared her "Be Kind" quilt, the centerpiece of which was a cross stitch by her Uncle Hal's wife.

Detail of "Be Kind" by Allie Aller

It shows an amalgamation of both hand and machine techniques, using crazy quilt fabrics, trims and threads in a traditionally machine-pieced way. Allie's been playing with combining old quilting techniques in new and contemporary ways. She has authored two books and is working on a third!

Our hostess Maureen Greeson has probably taught me the most because I started following her before I even began blogging.

Most of my first supplies were bought through her shop (which is closed *sniff*) and she used to publish a newsletter where she provided free motifs and embellishment tips. I still have all of those tips in my inspiration file.

Maureen didn't want to share anything so I begged her to get out a Four Seasons piece which is still in progress.

I just love her eye for elegance, lace and charming victorian ladies...

Quilt detail by Maureen Greeson

I have always admired this piece and the use of crazy-pieced laces as the background...

Last but not least is Lisa Boni ofIvory Blush Roses. Like Allie, I missed most of her show and tell but did catch the tail end of these stunning blocks she's making for the Crazy Quilt Journal project...

Quilt detail by Lisa Boni

She says that these colors are out of her comfort zone since she normally prefers...well...ivory and blush rose...and green/white...

You would never guess that these were out of her comfort zone...just gorgeous...

Quilt detail by Lisa Boni

Her work is impeccable.

I didn't have a good individual shot of Lisa but I do have this one of us together sharing our love for margaritas...

And our outfits happen to match the new color scheme of her blocks. Check out the rose pins that we're both wearing...a gift made by Shirlee with that hook of hers.

After show and tell, Allie put out a call for ideas by spreading a group of vintage stars that I'd picked up in an antique store. The ideas were flying and the stars were moved around like chess pieces.

Did you see NickiLee holding Maureen's dog Gracie? She wanted had her own opinions to add.

It was a rich day, full of connection and kinship, and you can see how stimulating and inspiring this group is.

We are so lucky to have this internet where we can show up on each other's virtual front porches and share our lives, our families and our work.

I never would have dreamed eight years ago that I would be gathering family-style with this talented group of teachers. And just like meeting up with old high school friends, the internet allows us to "know" each other without ever physically having met.

Sharing Kindred Souls with such Creative Bliss is indeed very magical and special. You know I am now going to follow each and every one of these talented ladies you have introduced. I am swooning over all the beautiful and amazing pieces of HeART shared. Blessings Dear...Congratulations on Eight Years of Blogging!

Oh My Golly Gosh...you just brought back my need to stitch in one little ole blog post...it's been floundering like a cat in water...thank you Susan!! You and your Crazy Friends are the best! I saved all the links to all the blogs for more brain food.

Great post!! Fun and Fabulous "Wall dancing Day"!! SO many laughs ... so much Eye Candy WOW. Susan your work is beyond words .... from a girl that loves detail you make me feel like I am using a pitchfork and have 10 thumbs. Thanks for the great pictures!!

What a fabulous time I had with all you wonderful ladies - a special treat for sure! I was honored to be included in this great group of talented ladies and have to admit, I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. Thank you for suc a wonderful post.

Looks like a fabulous day Susan - thank you for sharing it. Your beautiful photos capture some incredible work. Your gathering made me think of the seminar/retreat Maureen used to host - would love to see something like this offered again with perhaps some of these talented artists teaching - hint hint....

What a wonderful, fun day you all had together!!! I love each woman's incredibly unique and amazing work! I know Maureen a little from the Facebook group she sells bits of her stash on. I really enjoy looking at her work! Love the vintage stars!!! I have a set of vintage Dresden Plates that were from my mother' s stash. What a fun filled day!!!Hugs, Betsy

Looks like a wonderful time was had by all! I have been following all these ladies for some time now, and I've learned so much from each one! Having everyone in the same room must have been an explosion of creative energy!

What an amazing day that would have been! The crazy quilt projects you shared are each so unique and beautifully done.

I've recently started a weekly Stitchery Link Party for all things hand embroidered and I would love to have you come link up this post so that my readers can learn about these ladies and their work too.http://www.supermomnocape.com/2015/05/18/vintage-embroidery-monday-stitchery-link-party-6/

If you haven't participated in a link party before I have a quick tutorial available. I do hope you'll come join in.